Jiangtou Ancient
Village in Jiuwu Town
Located north of Guilin, Jiangtou
Ancient Village is the largest and best preserved
collection of ancient buildings in Guangxi province.
History proved that the Jiangtouers were the descendants
of Zhoudunyi-an outstanding literati and philosopher
in Song dynasty.
Mr. zhou is well-known for his abstruse
philosophy of being honest and upright as an official
which was clearly stated in his masterpiece giving
honor to lotus. Zhou gave lotus the connotation
of a virtue of honesty. Here he intended to exhort
his later generations to keep honest in performing
their official duties.
The colony of ancient architectures
is large in scale, the largest of its kind in
Guangxi. Approximately, the site includes more
than 80 buildings, most of which keep their original
style and features of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
These wooden architectures are quite unique and
elegant: brick walls preventing rain infiltration,
black tiles recording the history of the village,
ornamented beams reflecting the profound local
culture and ornamental engraving-decorated gates
standing for the particular flavor of the architectures.
After hundreds of years' rain and wind, these
buildings remain what they were. Actually, they
still dominate the village and are homes of the
locals.
First built in Song dynasty, Jiangtou
Ancient Village now enjoys a long history of more
than 800 years. History has left to this place
innumerous sites and relics, as if it favored
this part more than others. Many valuable and
rare historical relics are well preserved here,
such as ancient coins, inscription forest, ancient
instruments, longevity beds and so on. Relics
here contribute greatly to explore the culture
of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Jiangtou radiates not only for its
history and culture but the talents from it. Small
as it is, it cultivated 28 celebrities ranging
from upright and incorruptible high officials
in central government to hard- working and wide-learned
magistrates in county.
Jiangtou also boasts excellent natural
scenery. The evergreen mountains, jade-like river
and the vast green field make it appear to be
a beautiful sketch.
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